Palacios was captured on deadline day this summer, along with striker Peter Crouch and Jonathan Woodgate earlier in the window, as Pulis raided White Hart Lane in order to bolster the experience of his squad and aid their chances in Europe this season.

Despite being renowned his athleticism, the tough-tackling Honduran has only made two appearances for the Potters this season, with a battle for fitness blighting the start to his campaign.

However, Pulis has backed the 27-year-old to force his way in to the reckoning following some impressive displays in training.

"He's trained with us over the last couple of days and I just think he needs a mini pre-season to get himself up and running. That's all he's lacking,” Pulis told This is Staffordshire.

"We're trying to get him fully fit as soon as possible, but he's already shown in training what he's capable of doing."

Crouch has quickly settled in to life at the Britannia Stadium, netting two goals in his opening five appearances. And his manager was quick to praise the budding partnership between Jon Walters and the former Liverpool striker.

He added: "He [Walters] has already formed a good partnership with Peter Crouch for us, so that just shows how well and how quickly he can adapt alongside other players."

Stoke take on Fulham at the Britannia on Saturday, before their Europa League campaign continues against Maccabi Tel-Aviv the following week.